Outdoor Burning Hours Limited under W.Va.’s Spring Fire Season

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West Virginia’s spring forest fire season is under way.

Through May 31, outdoor burning is prohibited between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The chances of a fire escaping in the evening and overnight hours is reduced because of cooler temperatures, increased humidity and calmer winds.

Division of Forestry Director Randy Dye said arson and escaped debris burning were the leading causes of West Virginia’s forest fires last year. He said if residents are careful with their fires and report suspected arsonists, thousands of acres of forestland can be saved.

In all, 849 fires burned 7,122 acres of West Virginia forestland in 2007. That was down from 1,022 fires and 17,608 acres in 2006.

Firefighters battled two forest fires in Raleigh and Summers counties on Monday.

Information from: The Charleston Gazette,
http://www.wvgazette.com